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Poompuhar Blog

Promoting art in this era, can be a little challenging for any individual. The average person is normally too occupied with the hustle and bustle of life to find the time for anything but a little rest and relaxation after a hard day's work. As a result, only the truly passionate can make the time to actually visit an exhibition. Coupled with stiff competition, it becomes really hard for the individual artist to make ends meet.

Fortunately, advertising strategies for art have grown rapidly in the last few decades, and today, the internet is the newest and most popular avenue for the selling and auction of art. For art lovers, it may simply be a quick and convenient way to spend money on a piece of art but for the modern artist, it is a truly exciting development.

Why?You ask!! Because it opens a vast and insatiable market.

Modern art consumers and enthusiasts typically prefer electronic repositories because they have the opportunity to inspect a much greater number of art pieces at their own pace, all this can’t be done in traditional art galleries which can display only a limited number pieces and can operate for limited time of day. This level of discretion also comes with its own advantages such as –there is less exposure for the sellers and buyers, the price remains a secret, and there is hardly any chance that the auction could fail.

For emerging artists, the repository provides an opportunity to connect with loyal clients. A web gallery that has worked tirelessly to build a proper listing of artists definitely has the market for their work. Such a repository could also convince collectors to purchase the works of new artists.

Endorsement by a reputable gallery that has nation-wide coverage is a vital step for any artist interested in building a professional career. The art world is a highly competitive environment where the individual with the most exposure has a greater advantage over others in the same field. Representation by an established web-based repository is an important prerequisite for artists seeking to connect with potential buyers.

Online galleries are typically used by collectors with large budgets. These individuals are usually willing to pay large sums of money for good art. What this means for the artist is that the value of their work could increase dramatically in an instant. This doesn’t mean that the work was less valuable before, just that its perceived value has increased.

As the craft and fashion industries draw closer to an era where artificial materials are hard to find, natural fibres such as cotton, which requires a lot of investment to cultivate, and petroleum derivatives such as plastic, acrylics and nylon continue to be in high demand. Regardless, the large-scale production and use of such materials continue to have a significant negative and irreparable impact on the planet.

This may come as a bit of a surprise - banana fibre is among the strongest materials in the natural world. It is , and fibres that are extracted from the stem of the tree are remarkably durable. The fibre is made up of thick walls of cell material, held together by a natural bonding agent that is mainly made up of lignin, cellulose and hemi celluloses. Banana fibre bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo fibre, but it has much greater tensile strength, spin ability and fineness depending on the part of the stem from which the fibres are extracted.

They can be used to create textiles of varying thicknesses and weights that would be ideal for making crafts such as wallets. The stronger fibres that make sturdier, thicker fibres come from the plant's outer sheaths, while the inner sheaths will produce softer fibres. Without much effort, extracted fibres can be used for weaving mats and ropes. They are also excellent raw material for handmade paper. The fibres make very strong paper, a product that would be an environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based materials or non-biodegradable materials typically used in fashion and design. Banana fibre is naturally water resistant. It is also resistant to fire and tearing.

At the start of extraction, plant’spseudo stem is taken apart piece by piece. The sheaths are then fed into an extraction machine that extricates the fibres from the remaining plant material. To create textile materials, the fibres are cooked in an alkaline solution. They are then joined to form long threads which are spun wet to avoid breakage.

The fabrics acquired from this process are supple, soft, highly absorbent and eco-friendly. They can then be used to make handicrafts such as laptop bags and purses.

Now more than ever, artists and designers are looking for sustainable eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced cotton and petroleum derivatives, a trend that has also been supported by growing public demand for fashion pieces, ornaments and crafts made using materials and processes that do not harm the environment.

Our National Flag is a symbolism of all those great stories of sacrifice and heroism we grew up with. Also called ‘Tiranga,’ its evolution has been tremendous. On the occasion of Republic Day, let’s learn some interesting facts about our flag.

Historical facts:

The first recorded instance of the Indian flag, depicting religious symbols and eight roses marked with the words ‘Vande Matram,’ was in 1906 at Kolkata.

Pingali Venkayya, an educationist and freedom fighter from Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh is credited with the design of the National Flag. During the session of the All India Congress Committee in 1921, Venkayya presented a design to Mahatma Gandhi, which consisted of two colors - red and green - representing the two major communities i.e. Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji suggested the addition of a white strip to represent the remaining communities of India and the spinning wheel to symbolize progress of the nation.

Indian National Congress modified the design later, which was adopted as Indian National Flag on July 22, 1947.

On August 22, 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama became the first person to hoist the Indian flag at an international socialist conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Co-designed by her and Shyamji Krishna Varma, this flag later served as one of the templates of the current national flag of India. This flag had a top green stripe with eight blooming lotuses representing pre-independence India’s eight provinces. ‘Bande Mataram‘ was written across the central saffron stripe in Hindi. On the bottom red stripe, a half moon was on the right and the rising sun on the left. The flag is now on display at the Maratha and Kesari Library in Pune.

We all know these basic facts, which we swore by since our school days.

Our flag is a horizontal tricolor with equal proportions of deep saffron on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom.

In the center of the white band, there is a wheel in navy blue called Ashok Chakra, which replaced the spinning wheel of the pre-independence era. With 24 spokes, its diameter approximates the width of the white band. Taken from the Lion Capital of King Ashoka, it was chosen because it represents Dharma and Law. The 24 spokes also show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation.

Interpreting the colors chosen for the national flag, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan had once explained-” the saffron color denotes renunciation or disinterestedness of political leaders towards material gains in life. The white depicts enlightenment, lighting the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green symbolizes our relation to the soil, to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The Ashoka wheel in the center of the white strip represents the law of dharma.”

Now comes the facts, we bet you didn’t know.

The Indian National Flag has traveled places – it was hoisted on Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, on May 29, 1953, along with the Union Jack and the Nepalese National Flag; and also went into space on board Apollo-15 as a medallion on the spacesuit worn by Cosmonaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, during the Indo-Soviet joint space flight in April 1984.

The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) is the country’s only national flag manufacturing and supplying unit, located in Bengeri village of Dharwad district.

The flags are made in conformation with the guidelines laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). According to the Flag Code, there are nine different sizes in which the flag is made. The smallest one is 6×4 inches and the biggest one – hoisted on buildings and forts with high mast – is 21×14 feet.

The guidelines also include that the width and length of the flag should be in the ratio 2:3 and that the chakra should be printed on both sides.

The flag hoisted on Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan and medium-sized government buildings is 12×8 feet.

The largest flag (21 × 14 ft) in the country is flown by the government of Maharashtra atop the Mantralaya building, the state administrative headquarters.

KKGSS’ khadi manufacturing units are located in Bagalkot, from where the cloth is first sourced. It is then divided into three lots, dyed, and cut into the required shapes. The chakra is printed on the white cloth and the three pieces are stitched together. The flags are then ironed and packed.

The original flag code of India did not allow private citizens to fly the national flag, except on national days such as Independence Day or Republic Day. In 2001, Naveen Jindal, an Indian industrialist filed a public interest litigation petition in the High Court of Delhi against this. The Union Cabinet of India then amended the Indian Flag Code from 26 January 2002, allowing private citizens to hoist the flag on any day of the year.

However, the Indian Flag still can’t be depicted on uniforms, costumes and other clothing. In July 2005, the Government of India amended the code to allow some forms of usage. The amended code forbids usage in clothing below the waist and on undergarments and forbids embroidering onto pillowcases, handkerchiefs or other dress material.

Last, but not the least, the Indian National Flag codes of conduct.

The flag should be hoisted in daylight between sunrise and sunset.

When the Indian flag is flown on Indian territory along with other national flags, the general rule is that the Indian flag should be the starting point of all flags.

It has to be hoisted in the horizontal direction with saffron color on top.

Whenever the flag is displayed indoors in halls at public meetings or gatherings of any kind, it should always be on the right (observers’ left), as this is the position of authority. When it is displayed elsewhere in the hall, it should be to the right of the audience.

When a foreign dignitary travels in a car provided by the Indian government, the flag should be flown on the right side of the car while the flag of the foreign country should be flown on the left side.

Republic Day is when we all will see our tricolor in its full glory, again. We hope you learned a lot about our flag with this post. Poompuhar wishes all its customers a very happy Republic Day.

As India gears up to celebrate the 69th Republic Day on January 26, Poompuhar brings you some exciting products to make this day even more memorable.

Republic Day is celebrated in honor of the date on which the Constitution of India came into force in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) to become the governing document of the country. The day is usually marked by various ceremonious parades across the country. Celebrations in the country’s capital are more vibrant as it showcases the defense capabilities as well as cultural and social heritage.

Poompuhar is also celebrating the auspicious day with our lovely customers by offering some cool products. Check out our Republic Day specials:

White Wood Ashok Pillar With National Flag

Shop For this White Wood Ashoka Pillar With National Flag - Click Here

Get in the Republic Day spirit with this handmade Ashoka pillar carved out of a single piece of white wood that comes complete with the National Flag. Serves as a perfect gift to your colleagues or loved ones.

Kanchi Periyavar remained a prominent figure in the history of the Indian independence as he brought in many social reforms as well as highlighted the importance of the flag with Ashoka Dharma Chakra in one of his speech. Poompuhar salutes his spirit with this exclusive papier mache item that will make for a perfect souvenir.

If you are looking for something which can be used as more than a showpiece, then you might want to check our pen stand carved out of a single white wood piece. Complete with the Ashoka pillar and a miniature clock, this makes for a perfect Republic Day gift or something nice to keep on your desk.

There is an exciting product available for children at Poompuhar now. Republic Day can’t be a perfect occasion to gift your child the heritage of the Indian history. Check out the new coloring book with the outline art form of various Mamallapuram stone sculpted compositions.

What’s stopping you? Come join us in this celebration and bring home these exciting additions!

Poompuhar is all set to develop the virtual reality tool with an initial investment of approximately Rs. 2.2 Cr. Poompuhar is the retail arm of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation and this initiative will be funded from the State Innovation Fund.

The campaign will place mobile units of approx. 1000 square ft. at places like airport or malls. Potential customers will be provided with head gears to virtually observe the art and crafts while browsing through the showroom or craft centre or a workshop. Customers will be able to purchase the desired item from Poompuhar online store. According to Santhosh Babu who is the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Poompuhar this technology will also be implemented in other government departments.

This new Poompuhar project is 3-Design Research and Development Centre, Chennai. This centre will also be funded by State Innovation Fund and will be managed under a business model by an external organization. This centre will be responsible for designing products for the virtual reality display area. It will also help in souvenir and utility market segments which is part of Poompuhar future expansion.

Utility market will include the handicrafts from China. Santhosh Babu added to his earlier statement that souvenir market consists of high-end products and such items are in high demand also. Hence, Poompuhar is planning to expand into this growing market with the help of this design centre. It will help in keeping up with the demand for these fast-moving items.

Poompuhar is also looking to include more avenues while focusing on non-traditional selling prospects. Supporting these plans, there is a plan in place to launch a craft cafe at Urban Haats in the Nilgiris and Mahabalipuram like the café already running in Kanchipuram.

"Since VR is one of the burgeoning areas, why not a government department shows the way forward in utilising new technology and be the trendsetter in making a virtual showroom," said Dr Santhosh Babu.

Also, a 360 degree walk-through webpage will be designed for potential customers, who are not able to visit physical stores, to offer the same experience. He anticipated the total revenue to be Rs. 50 crore in this fiscal and Rs. 33 Cr to be the total sales from the showroom.

This will the ground-breaking initiative by Poompuhar by mixing tradition and technology to promote the love for handicrafts in India.

In most regions of the world, a wedding is a ceremony celebrated with lots of style and cheer. All guests are treated with utmost respect, and all parties involved usually strive to make the occasion a success. An age-old wedding tradition, 'Gift giving' is a crucial part of the ceremony. In most cases, gifts are given only to the newly wedded couples. But in some traditions, they are also exchanged between the hosts and guests as an expression of gratitude and joy. Choosing the right wedding gift for a close relative or friend can be quite a challenge. Here are some of the best Indian art and craft items that will make a good wedding gift for your loved ones.

Jewellery

Women and jewellery are nearly inseparable. In India, the brides are gifted valuable ornaments by relatives, parents and even friends. In India, it is believed that gifting a high-value item will help newlyweds to add few assets to help start their life together and hence gold jewellery is very common. Jewellery also serves the very important purpose i.e. making the bride look pretty.

All cities in India have skilled jewellers offering both traditional and modern jewellery. Indian jewellers make their ornaments out of semi-precious stones such as garnets, emeralds, turquoises and rubies or precious metals such as silver and gold. Gold jewellery is arguably the most popular in India and is considered a status symbol.

Sari

Handmade from silk or cotton fabric, the sari is one of the oldest unstitched garments that are still in use to this day in India. Over the course of time, the sari has grown from being a regular wardrobe item of the Indian woman to a fashionable attire popular across the world. Handmade series are beautiful, elegant, and unique and would make a great wedding gift for the bride. Sari fabrics are decorated mostly using traditional methods such as raw thread embroidery, Zari, Naqshi and Dabka. Silk is preferred over cotton as it adds an exquisite sheen to the fabric making it look exotic and expensive.

Home décor items

At times it is the things that seem small and insignificant that turn a house into a home. A gift of one or more home furnishings such as paintings, lampshades, Kalasam and murals could make a really good impression. Decorative oil lamps, also known as diyas, made from copper, gold or silver will surely impress the couple who will receive them as a gift. Handmade carpets and rugs could also be considered.

As Pongal festival is approaching near, everyone is excited and the festivities are in full swing. And why not!! Pongal is celebrated in South India and it is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is known as the harvest festival and is also called as Makar Sankranti. Like all festivals, Pongal also brings the family together for celebration, preparations, cooking festival recipes and decorating houses and so on.

Pongal or Makar Sankranti holds the same significance as other cultures’ New Year’s celebrations. On this day people clean the house and celebrate the new beginnings. Houses are cleaned and decorated with decorative earthen mandalas in the front yard or patios. Families and friends get together to celebrate and eat Pongal special sweet rice recipe. The rice is customarily boiled in an earthen pot which is also decorated with mandalas, sun, wheat grains and cows as they symbolize new life and food. Lord Sun and Lord Indra are worshipped for abundance and good harvest. Cows are worshipped by people to pat their respect for the help in the field.

Kids really like a family get-together and festivals as they get so much love from elders. Kids also like to create beautiful crafts to contribute in decorating the house or lending a hand in preparing that delicious meal. So let us discuss some fun ideas to celebrate Pongal this year with the help of handmade crafts-

Best wishes Card

Kids and parents can indulge in creating beautiful best wishes cards using paper art. This will be a unique way to wish others on this auspicious day of Pongal. Check out this innovative greeting card if you are looking for some inspiration to get started –

Rangoli or Kolam is an important ritual of Pongal. Colourful rangolis are created using rice flour or flowers, at the entrance of the house or on the patio as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Parents can involve the kids to help them out with the decoration of the house. In this way, they will also feel connected and inspired by their artistic self. You can refer below link to get some idea about the unique designs for your Rangoli this year –

In many states, Kite flying competition takes place to celebrate Makar Sankranti like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh etc. Pongal is celebrated all over India with regional variations, for example, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu, Hadaga and Poki. Kite making and flying is also one of the many traditions followed on this auspicious day. Below are some of the easy ways to create your own kite and stand out from the crowd –

You can also teach your friends how to make a kite and enjoy this festival with them.

Home decoration

On the day of Pongal or Makar Sankranti, Prayer room and open area is decorated with Mandapa, Cow, Harvest, Sun, adorned pots with mango leaves and so on. All these drawing are made to celebrate the harvest festival and to offer thanks to God for His blessings and prosperity.

Pongal is a famous Hindu festival celebrated India and is observed as a harvest festival in South India. The festival is celebrated for four days where people offer their thanks to Mother Nature for peace, happiness, blessings and prosperity. “Pongal” is a Tamil word which translates into “to boil”, which symbolically signifies abundance. Hence, new rice is cooked in new earthen pots till they overflow to welcome prosperity on this auspicious day. Pongal festival is celebrated as per solar calendar. In 2018, it will be celebrated from 14th January to 17th January. The four days are known as Bhogi, Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal. Each day of this four-day celebration holds a distinct religious significance; however, many people also often consider the second day as the main festival and celebrate on that day. On this day people interchange best wishes among friends and family for good luck, peace and fortune.

When is Pongal celebrated?

Pongal festival is celebrated in the month of January and the dates are decided as per the solar calendar. The solar calendar reads the astronomical details and tells the exact date of this enthralling and opportune festival which is celebrated all over India under different names. In South India, it is celebrated as Pongal and in rest of India, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu, Hadaga and Poki. The second day of Pongal is the start of Tamil month called Thai, and it represents the start of spring season. The Sun returns to the northern hemisphere from this day and the length of the day starts increasing and winter season is considered over.

Significance of Four days of Pongal Festivities -

Pongal festival is celebrated for four days and each day represents a religious belief. Following is the significance of each day of Pongal –

Bhogi Festival: 14th January

Bhogi is the first day of the Pongal festival. It is celebrated to offer tribute to Lord Indra who is the God of Rain. As this is a harvest festival, thanks are offered to God of Rain for a good season and good harvest. On this day, people clean their homes and all the useless items are discarded in a bonfire made of cow-dung bars and wood.

Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal: 15th January

The second day of Pongal is known as Perum Pongal and is considered as most important day as most people celebrate only this day. It is also called Surya Pongal as Sun God is worshipped on this day. As per custom, new rice is boiled in the earthen pot in the open area as an offering to Sun God. Oil baths are custom on this day and people shop for new clothes during the festival and celebrate with family.

Other harvests are also offered to the God such as sugarcane, coconuts, and fruits and so on. Homes are decorated with rice flour rangolis which are called “Kolam” on this day. These drawings are considered to attract good fortune and are made at the entrance of the house.

Maatu Pongal is the third day of the celebration and is dedicated to the cattle as they help in the farm and fields. Cattle are bathed, dressed beautifully with bells and worshipped with flower garlands. On this day of Pongal common attractions are the bull and bird fights, especially Jallikattu game in Madurai. Jallikattu is the fierce fight of bulls and it also happens in many villages also in Tamil Nadu.

Kaanum Pongal is the last day of Pongal festivities and on this day women ask blessings of their brothers and ask for prosperity. Another ritual which is performed on this day includes keeping the Pongal sweets on turmeric and betel leaves on the patio with sugarcane and betel nuts.

Legends

There are many legends associated with Pongal festival, such as -

It is said that Lord Krishna has lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger on the first day of Pongal or Bhogi, to save the people and cattle from the anger of Lord Indra.

Another legend associated with the third day of Pongal suggest that Lord Shiva had sent his bull ‘Nandi’ on earth with a message to have an oil bath daily and eat only once a month. However, Nandi misspoke the message and told people of earth to eat daily and take oil bath monthly. This mistake angered Lord Shiva and He ordered Nandi to stay on Earth forever to help mankind and harvest more food for them.

Pongal Special Recipe –

The most famous Pongal dish is known as Venpongal. The preparation of traditional Pongal dish is the important part of festivities. The dish is made with rice and Moong pulse with Ghee and dry fruits. Another dish is known as Sakkarai Pongal which is a sweet variant of the traditional dish and is prepared with Jaggery. The Pongal food is cooked on attractively decorated earthen pots and stone stoves.

It is almost New Year!! As we step into 2018 with all the experiences from 2017, we are bound to feel happy and nostalgic at the same time. It is time to celebrate the new beginnings while saying farewell to a great year. If you are someone who likes to express yourself with gifts or souvenir, then you can browse through the vast handicraft collection on Poompuhar website. There is something for every occasion with a promise of quality on each product. Indian handicrafts have always been mesmerising so why not start a new year with a great gift for you and your family or friends. Here is a glimpse of a few popular and new handicraft items available at Poompuhar –

This delicatestatue is made of green stone andexhibits an enthusiastic display of excellentartistry. It has ornamental carvings to enhance its fine work. The statue is four inces and suitable as a gift.

This Thanjavur painting of RadhaKrishnar is suitable for worship home as well as for decorative purposes. The God is portrayed as sitting and offering blessing. The painting dimensions are 142*110*8 and it weighs almost 70000Kg.

Lighting an Ashtrotra Deepam on New Year eve will help you attract positivity and happiness in future. This Lamp is elevated from the base and has four branches which are tailored with five small hanging spouted thagali. The top of the lamp has a statue of Goddess Laxmi,sitting on a Lotus. The lamp is made of 60% copper and 40% zinc and weighs around 13 kg.

Poompuhar is offering this beautifully crafted Tanjore Art Plate to the art-lovers which is accessible in numerousschemes and patterns. This plate is an example of latest fashion trends and is meticulously designed by famous artisans. The material used in making this products are of high quality and modern techniques have been used to give the fine details. This art plate represents the Astalakshmi concept i.e. it denotes eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. This plate is ideal for pooja and ornamental purpose or as gift items.

Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, is a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher. This statue is to honor his teachings. His contribution to Tamil literature is called Thirukkural which is about ethics. It represents one of his saying - “Do not lose hope follow the Thirukural and blessed life.”

Maha Meru or Sumeru is a sacred mountain which isrespected indifferent cultures in India like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The highest point or the last bud on this six foot pyatthat signifies Mount Meru

Indian has earned a great respect worldwide whether it is in the field of science, technology, art or culture. Indian handicraft industry is one of the booming industries and is making its mark all over the world. Handicrafts are considered to be second-largest employment creating segment after agriculture in India. Many artisans all over India work with their craftsmanship to earn a livelihood. The industry offers work to more than 6 million artists mainly containing women and people from the weaker segments of the community.

In current times, handicrafts have evolved as a perfect blend of traditional patterns and designs with modern technology. This has helped to meet the large demand for Indian handicrafts as gifts, souvenirs or decorative items worldwide.

This formerly known cottage industry has now transformed it into a full-grown, large-scale ever-growing organized business with to US$ 1.9 billion in the last ten years. Only in 2005-2006, the exports of Indian handicrafts had shown an increase of US$ 298.87 million giving a fixed yearly growth of 15 per cent or above. Indian contribution to USD 100 billion international handicrafts market is more than 2%.

Interesting facts about Indian handicrafts –

Across India, you can find various art forms in handicrafts. There are many famous places which are known for their speciality in handicrafts such as Saharanpur for wooden articles, North-West Rajasthan for Jaipuri quilts, Gujarat & Lucknow for embroidery, Nasarpur for Lace material, Punjab for Phulkari, and Jodhpur for wrought iron products and so on.

Various designs and arts display various cultures of India

Wide ranges of designs are available in Indian handicrafts products, which displays creative and artistic skills of craftsmen, and these marvellous crafts are in great demand worldwide.

This industry has vast experience in the export and has earned a lot in foreign exchange

Indian handicraft industry has proven its worth with constant growth rate of almost 20%

In recent times, the customers have less interest in machine-made items and are more attracted to handicrafts as they offer a unique style and style statement. Today, the skills and artisans have a dynamic role to play in creating a modern way of life in India as a part of traditional as well as financial future.